Here’s audio from the beginning of a November 16th, 1968 newscast on Detroit’s WWJ-TV:
Back in February, I wrote about a collection of reel-to-reel audio tapes used to record network and local TV programs between 1967 and 1972. This audio comes from that collection. One of the programs recorded was a NBC special called “Jack Benny’s Bag.” It aired from 10-11PM on Saturday, November 16th, 1968.
Because the tape recorder continued running for about 30 seconds after the end of “Jack Benny’s Bag,” it inadvertently captured the start of WWJ-TV’s 11PM newscast that night. There’s a brief “color presentation” announcement followed immediately by the first news story.
Perhaps someone from Detroit will recognize the voice of the anchor reporting the news. For the record, WWJ-TV is now WDIV-TV; an unrelated TV station in Detroit goes by the WWJ-TV call letters.
(Also, I only know the spelling of the defendants’ names because I found an article about their arraignment online.)
Here’s a transcript:
The following program is a Channel 4 color presentation.
Good evening. Two Detroit policemen allegedly involved in the Veterans Memorial incident where three youths were beaten two weeks ago were arraigned today in Recorder’s Court. Patrolmen Leo Haidys, Jr., charged with felonious assault, and Patrolmen Richard Stinson, charged with assault and battery, listened to the complaints and pleaded innocent to the charges. Both defendants were released on bond pending examination and trial.
About This Recording
Source: Reel-to-reel audio tape
Date: Saturday, November 16th, 1968
Network: NBC
Station: WWJ-TV (Channel 4, Detroit)
Thanks for posting this. Would you consider in the future posting the opening and/or closing of JACK BENNY’S BAG. I remember reading the TV GUIDE CLOSEUP for this show in my TV GUIDE for this week. Also do you possibly have a recording from a variety show also on NBC at this time, THE BEAUTIFUL PHYLLIS DILLER SHOW? It aired from September to December 1968 on NBC, Sunday nights at 10:00 PM ET, following BONANZA. It had at least 1 unique (to me) idea, a weekly musical salute to historical people who would never usually receive such salutes, such as Noah Webster and John James Audubon. I’ll have to check You Tube to see if any part of this series exists.
I’ll post audio from the opening credits to “Jack Benny’s Bag” in a few weeks. The closing credits are just music, no announcer or voiceover promotional spots or anything.
I’m afraid I don’t have any audio from The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show.